MK Illouz Refuses to Compromise on Haredi Draft Exemption
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Member of Knesset Dan Illouz stated he will oppose any law granting Haredi men exemption from military service, regardless of the political bloc proposing it. He argued that preventing new elections should not compromise promises made to voters about Haredi conscription, citing security and economic needs. Illouz proposed forming a "Zionist unity government" based on agreed principles as an alternative to further elections.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- MK Dan Illouz will oppose any Haredi draft exemption law, even from his own bloc.
- Illouz stated that preventing elections does not justify breaking promises on Haredi conscription.
- He cited reservist strain, army needs, and economic burdens as reasons for Haredi service.
- Illouz previously fought a similar exemption bill and was removed from a Knesset committee.
- He proposed a "Zionist unity government" based on agreed principles to avoid new elections.
Member of Knesset Dan Illouz clarified on Sunday that he would oppose any legislation granting an exemption from military service to Haredi men, even if proposed by his current political bloc. Illouz stated that the desire to prevent further elections should not come at the cost of breaking a promise made to voters regarding Haredi conscription. "I understand the desire to prevent additional elections. But the price cannot be an exemption law," Illouz said. "This is an explicit promise we made to the voters before the election. This is the reason I moved from Likud to Israel Beiteinu."
Illouz emphasized that the need for military conscription extends beyond ethical considerations, citing the heavy burden on reservists and critical security and economic needs. He noted that reservists are serving hundreds of days, the army is in urgent need of combat soldiers, and the economy cannot sustain the current strain, especially given significant security challenges. He argued these issues require immediate attention, preceding discussions on core curriculum studies and economic integration.
Recalling his previous opposition to a similar exemption bill during the 25th Knesset, which led to his removal from the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, Illouz vowed to fight any such initiative from any political side. "In the 25th Knesset, I fought against the coalition's exemption law. I was removed from the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee because of it, and the law did not pass. If necessary, I will fight against an exemption law if it comes from the other side, even as a citizen. I succeeded then and I hope to succeed now," he declared.
As an alternative to further elections, Illouz proposed forming a "Zionist unity government" based on agreed-upon foundational principles, moving beyond current political blocs. "I am not a bloc person. What matters to me in a government is the policy it advances," he stressed. "The right way to prevent elections is to abandon the blocs, define agreed-upon foundational principles, and establish a Zionist unity government that will win wars, draft Haredim, and bring significant economic reforms."
